Ground Spiders

Ground Spiders – Gnaphosidae

This family contains a large number of varied spiders. Many species are dull brown with stocky legs, though some have bright patterns. They have quite distinct spinnerets that are of a uniform thickness (not tapering to a point), and are often positioned well apart, appearing as a two stubby tails from above. They are wandering hunters , and as the name suggests many species are found at ground level within leaf litter and beneath rocks and logs. They are mildly venomous and regarded as harmless spiders.